Most important thing, is knowing what you are most likely to catch, and targeting it.

Thats the million dollar question aint it..
If for example, I was fishing Whirinaki or North Shore road area, at this time of year, on a calm evening, would I assume there would be some Gurnard or Snapper present?
I would hope so, but my results don't agree so far.
I would like to assume I could at least rely on a Kahawai.. But thats far from a sure thing too.

It comes down to an educated guess then?
At this time of year, in calm, clean conditions, one should have a fair chance of a Gurnard or a Kahawai, maybe even a snapper.

Ah well, its worth a crack I guess